Covid-19 Antibodies Testing: Our Experience

Introduction to Covid-19 Antibodies Testing

March 11th 2020 the WHO declared this new coronavirus a pandemic. Not long after the first cases appeared in China, it rapidly spread around the globe. Now, “everybody” is studying and learning about Covid-19 transmission and antibodies. Testing clearly contributes to the general knowledge of this virus, so we were happy when New Hampshire decided to offer free Covid-19 antibodies testing to its residents.

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Our Experience

On May 15th, Tom and I both went online and set up an appointment at Clear ChoiceMD Urgent Care. As expected during this time of social distancing, our car served as the waiting room.

• The Waiting;
• The Testing;
• The Results.

The Waiting

Although we had set up an appointment on line, we knew there could be a wait. Soon after parking a staff member came out to greet us. She asked whether we had any symptoms right now, and whether we wanted just the antibodies test or the test for the active corona-virus too.

She asked about our medications and whether we had been in contact with any Covid-19 patients. I mentioned my multiple sclerosis, and taking Gilenya, an MS medication which suppresses my immune system. After she put a sign with the number 5 on our car, she disappeared into the building.

Twenty minutes later, they came over again and called Tom in. While I was waiting for my turn, I reflected on how surreal this still feels to me. Especially, since in February, only a few months ago, we traveled to Cancun and, while Covid-19 was in the news, we didn’t worry about it.

Then, in early March, when this Covid-19 virus still wasn’t a pandemic, my brother in the Netherlands passed away unexpectedly. Under normal circumstances we would have traveled to attend his funeral, but my neurologist said “Don’t travel.” due to me being at a higher risk. (immune suppressing MS medication)

At first I didn’t want to follow his advice, but after much thinking, talking and soul searching we realized he was right. By this time, the virus had spread to Europe, including the Netherlands. The risk to our health was too high.

In hindsight, it was the right decision, as the number of cases was growing in the Netherlands and they put significant travel restriction into place. May 15, the day we got our Covid-19 antibodies test happened to be my brother’s birthday. It felt strange given that only two years ago, we celebrated it with him and family in the Netherlands. Now he was gone and the world had changed dramatically.

The Testing

Finally a staff member came to the car to let me know they were ready for me.

We walked in together and entered an examination room. She checked all the normal vitals, temperature, blood pressure and a finger oxygen sensor. Then she left the room, promising that she would be right back.

So more waiting happened, since her “right back” turned out to be twenty minutes. Since I didn’t have my phone, I used the time to do some breathing and meditation.

Eventually she came back and it was time for the testing. First was a blood draw, to find out whether I have any Covid19 antibodies. This went just fine. Second was the nasal swab to see whether I was an active Coronavirus case. Let’s just say, this was not at all pleasant.

Telling me to stare at the wall in front of me, she shoved a super-sized q-tip up my nose. After the first nostril, she did it to the second one too. Both felt like they were reaching into my brain, and they hurt. Yuck. I was happy when that was over. On the other hand, the swab didn’t bother Tom at all, but his blood draw required four strikes.

The Results

Because they told us they would get the results within a few days, but only would call if it was positive, we went online to see our own results. While they said the Covid-19 would take three days, and the antibodies only one, we found out both the next day. Negative! What a relief.

Why Take The Test

Of course, we know that it still isn’t clear whether having Covid-19 antibodies would protect you against a new infection. Secondly, even a positive result wouldn’t be reliable since there are plenty of false positives.

Though I tested negative for both tests, I realize I could have been exposed any time after that. Thus I am still assuming I could unknowingly spread the virus and thus continue wear a mask in public venues where social distancing is harder, like grocery stores.

My main reason to take the tests now was to help our local government get data about community transmission and rate of infection in our state. At the moment (May 22, 2020) New Hampshire has less than 4% of the population with antibodies, so we are very far away from herd immunity.

Conclusion Covid-19 Antibodies Testing

The Covid-19 antibodies testing was just a blood draw, so no big deal. By doing it, we gave the scientists some more information about this pandemic. While we wait for a vaccine, we will continue to social distance and avoid unnecessary travel and #StayAtHome , baking pandemic pancakes and birding.

Did you have Covid-19 and / or the antibodies testing? Please share in the comments. Stay safe, wear a mask and wash your hands, my friends!

Covid-19 Testing Locations

For our testing we used ClearChoiceMD because it is only a 5 minutes drive from us. To find out their locations and procedures, go to this link. These locations are mostly in NH, some in VT, some in ME. If you are not close to any of them and want to get tested for antibodies, ask you local healthcare provider or your state’s health department.

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